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Sometimes, it seems the garden is overwhelmed with bugs. Insects can be lethal to plants if not managed quickly. There was once a time when gardeners simply reached for the latest, strongest chemical concoction they could get their hands on. You may prefer more environmentally friendly methods that don't kill beneficial insects or damage the plants themselves.

1

Release beneficial insects at night when they are less active and won't fly away. Ladybugs, praying mantis and lacewings are particularly helpful in the garden. You can buy beneficial insects from garden centers and online retailers.

2

Spray plants with a strong spray from a garden hose to wash off soft-bodied pests, such as aphids. Their fall to the ground is usually lethal, so they are not likely to re-infest the plant. Try not to hit flowers with the spray, which can damage them or knock them off altogether.

3

Plant strong-smelling, bitter-tasting companion plants among your plants, such as annual marigolds (Tagetes spp.), which repel many insects. Other insect-repellers include lavender (Lavandula spp.), which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, and rosemary (Rosmarinus spp.) suitable for USDA zones 6 through 9. You can also try citronella-scented geraniums (Pelargonium spp.), to repel mosquitoes. Perennial in USDA zones 8 through 11, scented geraniums are usually grown as annuals.

Things You Will Need

Beneficial insect starter kits

Insect-repelling companion plants

Tip

If you have an infestation, consider using an environmentally friendly insecticidal soap. Available in ready-to-use spray bottles, spray the solution on the stems and leaves -- front and back -- until it drips from the plant.

About the Author

Robert Lewis has been writing do-it-yourself and garden-related articles since 2000. He holds a B.A. in history from the University of Maryland and has training experience in finance, garden center retailing and teaching English as a second language. Lewis is an antiques dealer specializing in Chinese and Japanese export porcelain.